According to Edmunds .com, a new car depreciates in value up to 9 percent in the first minute it’s driven off a dealer’s lot. After five years, your car holds only 40 percent of its true market value — and that’s without all the other considerations that can reduce its trade-in value. Some things to consider doing when you’re ready to get rid of your car:

1. Make repairs: From major engine problems to minor maintenance issues or cosmetic, paint or upholstery defects, a vehicle in solid running order is one of the most fundamental value boosters.

Nationwide Insurance suggests talking to your mechanic to see if repair costs will outweigh trade-in value. No need to fully restore your car, but a vehicle in like-new condition makes a good lasting impression.

2. Clean it: Appearances count, and if the first thing a buyer or dealer sees is a filthy car, he won’t even bother looking under the hood to see what’s inside. A few hundred dollars for a quality carwash could increase the value of your car by thousands.

3. Prepare your records: Websites such as Carfax.com will have your vehicle’s history on file. Take the next step by saving copies of your maintenance and repair receipts. Document everything from oil changes to servicing.

4. Get an appraisal: Kelley Blue Book or NADA guides can only estimate what your car is worth. Contact a professional appraiser for a full inspection and true valuation of your vehicle. In tandem with repairs, this will give you more bargaining power when going to trade in your car.

5. Don’t settle: If you’ve learned to not take the first offer that comes along from a dealer when shopping for a new car, don’t settle for the first figure given to you on a trade-in. One of the best ways to increase the trade-in value of your vehicle is to shop your car around to several places and people for the best offer you can get.